Community Homecare

Hearing Loss: Sudden or Gradual?

Before we look at these important steps, it is important to remember that hearing loss is not always easy to diagnose, particularly in older people. In older Americans, hearing loss is often not sudden and dramatic. Instead, it happens gradually over time. And often people will not recognize their own hearing loss because of this slow onset. Relatives may also struggle to recognize this hearing loss. Often, hearing challenges can be mistaken for cognitive decline. This is because, at times, when people do not hear what others are saying, they will simply disengage from the conversation.

Take a look at our 3 recommendations for navigating hearing loss below.

#1 Be Aware

Being aware of the first signs and symptoms of hearing loss can help you get the help that you need more quickly. This means recognizing some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss. If you start to notice that you are regularly turning up the volume on your TV set or radio then this could be an early sign of a hearing loss. Another sign of trouble could be if you start having trouble hearing what people are saying on the phone. In addition, many people with hearing losses report that they struggle to hear in restaurants or other locations that have lots of background noise.

If you’re a family member, you should also be on the lookout for some of these warning signs. Note if your loved one starts asking you to repeat yourself more frequently, says “what” a lot, or seems to be disengaged from conversations. If you see this happening, then it may be the time to urge them to visit their family doctor or audiologist to raise these questions.

#2 Hearing Loss Is Physical, But It Is Also Psychological

The immediate effects of a hearing loss are clearly physical. But, the impact does not stop there. It also has profound psychological impacts on affected individuals. Hearing loss can make people feel incredibly isolated, and struggles with hearing can also mean that a person may be less likely to engage in their usual hobbies and activities.

Also, as noted above, sometimes hearing loss can be misdiagnosed as cognitive decline or dementia, leading to other problems. It is important for family members and friends to recognize these challenges and also take steps to help make it easier for their loved ones. This could mean switching telephone communication from phone calls to texts or speaking more loudly and more distinctly. It may also be helpful to organize social outings in settings that do not have a lot of background noise.

#3 Hearing Aids: A Financial Challenge

Hearing aids are an important tool that allows people with hearing loss the opportunity to regain their normal functioning. However, it’s also important to note that hearing aids are expensive. Hearing aid prices can vary dramatically, but in general range from a minimum of $1,000 per device to more than $6,000 per device. In addition, not all insurance companies cover the cost of hearing aids and this leads some people struggling with the question of how they will pay for these medically necessary devices. However, there are options for financial assistance. For more information on these options, you can visit the Hearing Loss Association of America. No one should ever be unable to get the devices that they need for financial reasons.

Why Do Some People Struggle With Hearing?

The ear, as with any human body part, is extremely complex, which means that there may be many reasons why a person struggles with their hearing. For example, hearing may be damaged from a lifetime of being exposed to loud decibels. This sound exposure is often linked to a person’s profession. Some jobs, such as many in a factory, are simply loud, and unfortunately, many workers do not have adequate ear protection.

Some people may experience hearing loss due to a viral infection or fever. In some cases, if there is a rapid loss of hearing, this could be linked to something such as a tumor or head injury. For some of these causes of hearing loss, there may not be a treatment option to reverse the loss of hearing. But, in other cases, hearing loss can be halted or reversed. For example, some people may have a sudden hearing loss because of ear wax build-up. This can easily be treated at home or in your doctor’s office.

These varied reasons for hearing loss means that it is important to consult with a highly qualified medical professional who can first diagnose your issue and then recommend what to do next.

In Conclusion

Hearing loss is a significant problem among older Americans that dramatically impacts a person’s physical and mental health. There are many reasons for hearing loss. Sometimes, people gradually lose their hearing because of a lifetime of unprotected exposure to loud noises. Other people lose their hearing because of illnesses, diseases, and injuries. It is vitally important when people first notice symptoms of hearing loss that they seek input from their medical professionals.

If hearing loss is impacting you or a loved one, we have home health aides that are trained on assisting those with hearing challenges. To learn more about how Community Home Health Care can help, take a look at our website! No one should let hearing loss get in the way of a long and healthy life in retirement.

Caregivers play an integral role in their clients’ lives, allowing many clients to successfully age in place, in their homes. When hiring caregivers, people are often focused on their professional skills and qualifications. These skills are undeniably important. However, equally, if not more important, is the personal relationship between the caregiver and the client. Unfortunately, not a lot of research has been done here, and more research is needed on this topic. Traditionally, research has focused on family caregivers and the challenges that this poses. Below, we’re going to share 5 steps towards building a strong and successful client-caregiver relationship.

#1 Relationships Are a Balancing Act

Relationships, including those with your caregiver, are a careful balancing act between transparency and privacy. Knowing more about your caregiver, their backgrounds, and their interests may help you develop confidence in the care that they provide and the decisions that they make. However, some caregivers could find some questions intrusive, and they may be uncomfortable about some questions invading their privacy.

In addition, caregivers need to remember the same guidelines. They should also respect their clients’ privacy, and, under no circumstances should they share personal information about a client with others.

Some topics of conversation should likely be avoided. For example, politics, religion, and personal finance, as well as questions about sexuality and dating. On the other hand, questions about sports, hobbies, and travel can help develop a bond between the caregiver and the client.

#2 Explain the Role from the Beginning

Often relationships break down over misunderstandings. The best way to avoid these misunderstandings is to be upfront from the beginning. Different caregiving assignments can have dramatically different tasks. Thus, it is essential that the client and/or his/her family clearly articulate what they expect from their caregivers. Specific tasks should be spelled out, as well as how the client wants these tasks to be performed.

It is also important that the caregiver raises questions if tasks are not clear or new duties are assigned after the caregiver starts the job. These conversations can help nip frustration in the bud.

Sometimes though, frustrations cannot be successfully avoided at early stages. If problems persist, it may be necessary to involve the caregiver’s agency to either mediate the dispute or to find another caregiver.

#3 Trust Your Caregiver

Trust is another critical aspect of building a successful relationship, and part of trust is not micromanaging your caregiver. Often, clients and their families have never been in the position of needing a caregiver before. This often makes people feel vulnerable, and human nature often reacts to vulnerability with a desire to micromanage situations. However, micromanaging is very frustrating for caregivers, and frustration may make them leave their role.

Even when it is hard, it is vital to take a step back and breathe. Trust the process that you went through to interview and find the most qualified caregiver to be a part of your family.

#4 Patience Is Critical

Patience is critical to any caregiver-client relationship. It is important to remember that patience works in both directions. A caregiver needs to demonstrate patience towards a client. This means recognizing that it may be difficult for many adults to embrace the aging process, and it can be hard for people who have always been independent to accept help with day-to-day tasks.

On the part of the client, it is also important to demonstrate patience. A caregiver may not do a task exactly the same way that the client would have. This does not mean that it is wrong. It merely means that it is a different approach. When both sides demonstrate patience, trust-based relationships are built and sustained.

It is important to remember that patience does not mean simply sitting back and waiting. Caregivers must be willing to be proactive in addressing clients’ concerns and needs.

#5 Listening Is a Key to a Strong and Long-term Relationship

Often, in the modern and hassled world, we are not good at listening. People often spend far more time talking. But, listening is critical to a successful relationship between a caregiver and a client. It is important for a caregiver to listen to the concerns that a client may have about the aging process or their medical concerns. It’s not uncommon for a client to feel scared or frustrated. When a caregiver hears about their client’s concerns, they can offer encouraging words. This moral support can help a client who is rehabbing from an injury or illness. It can also help build a meaningful relationship.

Build A Trust-Based Relationship

Caregivers are an essential part of the United States healthcare system, and they are even more integral as the American population continues to age. Unlike other healthcare system agents, caregivers are welcomed into people’s homes and often become part of the family. Because of their close proximity to both the client and his/her family members, strong trust-based relationships must be developed among everyone.

Numerous steps can and should be taken to build these strong relationships. And these steps often take a conscious effort on the part of everyone who is involved.

Taking The 5 Steps For a Strong Caregiver-Client Relationship

The 5 steps mentioned above can make for a strong client-caregiver relationship. When caregivers and clients form a genuine bond, they’ll feel comfortable asking each other for help and having honest communication. The relationship between a caregiver and client is an intimate one and includes difficult scenarios. However, when you properly layout expectations, have contingency plans, and listen more than you talk – you’ll be able to create a long-lasting bond. These strong relationships will often boost the client’s health, both physically and emotionally, which is always a win.

At Community Home Health Care, we understand the importance of hiring a caregiver you trust and who feels like a part of the family. Let us help you find the perfect caregiver by calling us at (845) 425-6555 or visiting our website.

Month: August 2020

Hearing Loss Guide